Gear Gift Guide for Hikers

Allison is the founder of trailtosummit.com which she began as a way to track and share her first round of the NH 4000 Footers. Now on round 5 (the first round for her dog Ruckus) she has been honored to have taken part of many people’s firsts. She is an experienced trail maintainer, speaker, and passionate member of the outdoor community. In New England, Allison enjoys trekking along the highest peaks, bushwhacking to less traveled areas, and has a fondness for sunrise and sunset trips. Outside of New England Allison has also thru hiked the John Muir Trail and explored mountains in the German and Austrian Alps, Israel, and the Azores. Her goal is to share her passion for hiking and backpacking with others, especially with women, to inspire them to experience the freedom of the trail!

While it may seem like hiking is simply walking in the woods, it can become a rather expensive hobby. Add backpacking to your list of hobbies and you can plan to invest even more money for the right gear. For many hikers and backpackers, the gear we use is the best of our current budget. There are some items that we drool over, but may not splurge for ourselves. If you have a hiker or backpacker on your list this year, the picks on this gear guide will top their expectations. You should expect a post holiday hike as a thank you!

From jerky to gourmet backcountry meals, anyone can enjoy homemade food on the trail with a great dehydrator. The Excalibur Food Dehydrator is the most highly recommended dehydrator on the market. Pair it with a copy of Lipsmackin’ Backpackin’ to get them started off.

Keep in Touch

The Delorme InReach Explorer is a two-way communicator that also has built in navigation. This may be more of a gift for you than your hiker as you’ll get peace of mind when they’re in the backcounty with the ability to see their progress online, communicate anywhere in the world, and know an SOS call is a button away.

Get Cozy

One of the most essential items for a good night’s sleep on the trail is a quality sleeping bag. The Western Mountaineering Ultralite Sleeping Bag will keep you warm down to 20 degrees and weighs under two pounds. Bonus? These sleeping bags are made right here in the USA.

Sleep Tight

Another item that will ensure a good night’s sleep is a Sea to Summit Sleeping Mat. These mattresses are designed to mimic your bed at home and have won numerous awards including Backpacker Magazine’s 2015 Editors’ Choice Award. There are multiple options available to choose from.

Get Snappy

If your hiker is still using their phone to take photos, get them the best quality compact camera on the market. The Sony RX 100 III is still small and light but has incredible features including the ability to shoot in RAW. Looking for a lightweight camera with interchangeable lenses? Check out the mirrorless Sony Alpha a6000.

Stay Longer

The Big Agnes Fly Creek UL is a fully protected shelter under three pounds. A favorite among backpackers who like a very spacious tent for one or a cozy shelter for two.

Layer Right

From cold weather hiking to summer camping, baselayers are among the most necessary layers around. For quality merino wool, you have to spend a little extra. Surprise someone with a set. Our pick? The Icebreaker BodyFit Oasis line. The material is so soft and comfortable and is made to last.